CARPINETO ROMANO

A traditional horserace with ring competition where the prize contended is a huge banner created by local artists called "Pallio", it has always been held in Carpineto since the XV century, as proved by historical documents, in honour of the Patron Saint St. Augustine (Augist 27-28) on the foolowing Sunday. And has recentoly been brought back to its ancient spleendour. It evokes the annual arrival in town of Lady Olimpia Aldobrandini in 1662, who usedt join the inhabitants in the patronal celebration and watch the final race.
Relevant activities accompany these celebrations.

The town is decorated according to medieval dictate and cultural displays as well as rielaboration of traditional gastronomy are to be found and enjoyed throughout the seven quarters in whict the town is divided.
These quarters challenge one another in the contest, but before it takes place, they all join together in a gorgeous pageant that winds its way along the narrow cobblestone streets after days of propitiatory celebration which brighten-up the nights of Carpineto in July and August and end up with the blessing of the horses and knights who are to take part in competition. The pageant consists on 300 figurants and the costumes, prepared by the seven couture workshops are inspired by the XVII century Caravaggio painting belonging to the town of Carpineto.
There are besides the knights and noblemen, artisans with their children with typical leather sandals and strings inherited from the Romans, tools even outlaws, soldiers and a whole wedding party escort Lady Aldobrandini as she proclams the champion of the "Pallio".